At Good Reason Houston, we believe that when teachers thrive, students and communities thrive. That’s why, through Houston Loves Teachers, we’ve launched the first Teacher Leadership Cohort—a group of Houston-area educators committed to growing as teacher leaders, supporting one another, and elevating the teaching profession.
Why This Matters
Public education should empower students with choice and opportunity-filled lives beyond graduation. Teachers play a critical role in that vision. This cohort is a strategic investment in teachers—helping them build resilience, strengthen leadership skills, and connect with a professional network that amplifies their voices across Houston.
The program combines personal growth with professional development. Teachers engage in:
- Leadership development focused on coaching, conflict resolution, and systems thinking
- Capstone projects that tackle real challenges in classrooms and schools, with solutions shared at a citywide showcase
- Well-being and resilience strategies to thrive inside and outside the classroom
By investing in these educators, we’re not just supporting individual careers—we’re strengthening school culture, boosting retention, and moving us closer to our shared goal: making Houston the leading education city in the nation.
Meet the Cohort
These teachers, representing several different districts from across the region, are already stepping forward to strengthen relationships, model excellence, and serve as ambassadors for their profession. We’re excited to introduce the educators in the inaugural Houston Loves Teachers Leadership Cohort:
- Courtney Atkinson
- Shawn Bingham
- Emily Blanco
- Christa Carter
- Natalie Cepeda
- Billie Davis
- Mariell Edwards
- Eboni Frazier
- Jasmine Gibson
- Marcela Gomez
- Sherita Harmon
- Michelle Harvey
- Angel Henderson
- Kyndal Hutto
- Zainab Jabak
- Janiqua L. Jiles
- Hector Leon
- Janneth Martinez
- Marlene Scott
- Diana Soria-Silva
- Shakirah Thomas
- Marina Trujillo
Leading with Core Values
The cohort is off to an incredible start. In their first month, our teacher leaders explored Houston’s education landscape, including the reality that only 20% of public school graduates earn a living wage within six years.
Participants harnessed the power of coaching as a tool for growth and engaged in deep reflection on their core values—examining how those values shape their leadership, their classrooms, and the futures they’re building for students.
Research shows that when leaders have clarity of values, they make more aligned decisions, build greater trust, and demonstrate greater resilience when facing challenges.
What's Ahead
Over the next several months, the cohort will participate in coaching sessions, collaborative learning experiences, and capstone projects that spotlight teacher-driven solutions. Their journey will culminate in a showcase where educators share their insights with peers, district leaders, and the broader community.
Follow Their Journey
This is just the beginning. Follow @houstonlovesteachers on Instagram and Facebook to meet the cohort, learn from their stories, and see how teachers are helping shape the future of education in Houston.
Together, we’re celebrating, supporting, and elevating teachers—because when educators lead, students and communities succeed.
